Once among the trees I walked rapidly, until I had advanced more than halfway through the plantation. At that point I slackened my pace and proceeded cautiously, but I saw no one, and heard no voices. By little and little I came within view of the back of the boathouse⁠—stopped and listened⁠—then went on, till I was close behind it, and must have heard any persons who were talking inside. Still the silence was unbroken⁠—still far and near no sign of a living creature appeared anywhere.

After skirting round by the back of the building, first on one side and then on the other, and making no discoveries, I ventured in front of it, and fairly looked in. The place was empty.